Constipated After Hernia Surgery? A Guide For Hernia Surgery Patients

A hernia is a surprisingly common malady that tens of thousands of people face each year. The simple, non-technical definition of a hernia is simply that of a protrusion of internal organs – such as the intestine – through a weakened muscle wall.

The potential causes of any given hernia are many, but they include everything from having a congenital predisposition to hernias (i.e., it can be inherited) to experiencing a sports or lifting injury.

For some patients, a hernia is painful. Others barely feel it, but when they move they feel a slight tug in their abdominal or groin region. And still other sufferers feel no pain at all, but they may notice a bulge in the abdomen or groin.

In any case, the most often-recommended cure is to undergo surgery to get it repaired. The surgery can be performed as a laparoscopic surgery – whereby a very small incision is made to allow a tiny camera and surgical tools to enter the affected area. Or, it can be performed as the more traditional open surgery, whereby a larger incision is made. In either case, usually an artificial mesh is inserted into the affected area to help make it stronger. The mesh helps prevent future recurrences that would require another surgery.

All hernia surgery patients face a recovery period of a few to several weeks. This gives the body the opportunity to heal the surgical incision, while the muscle wall can become stronger.

Some hernia surgery patients experience constipation, which can be painful or uncomfortable to suffer through. If you are constipated after hernia surgery, here is a guide for hernia surgery patients that can help:

The Reason Hernia Surgery Can Lead to Constipation

Why does this type of surgery lead to constipation in some patients? There can be many reasons for this. However, the most common reason is that the process of any type of surgery that directly or indirectly involves the gastrointestinal system can cause a temporary disruption in bowel movements. This is potentially due to a number of factors, including the fasting before surgery and a different diet that is sometimes followed in the days after surgery. But one of the biggest causes are the medications that are typically taken after this type of surgery.

Ways to Get Things Moving Again

You should be able to get your bowel moving again in the days and weeks after surgery. Try these tips:

* take fiber supplements

* eat fiber-rich foods like beans and fruit

* drink lots of water

* drink less milk and eat fewer dairy products

* use laxatives

* take short walks (but be careful not to strain your healing incision)

When to Call a Doctor

If your constipation problem does not improve on its own after a week or more, or if you feel particularly intense pains in the intestines, you should contact your doctor. Be prepared to explain to him or her details about your constipation, as well as what you have been doing to remedy it and for how long.

By taking the proper steps, you can get things moving again and start feeling better after surgery.